GUEST COMMENTARY: BY CHINESE AMBASSADOR TO THE BAHAMAS DAI QINGLI
(EDITOR’S NOTE: Although I have shared a collection of photos on Facebook, I had to share this brief narrative with readers of BAHAMAS CHRONICLE as a Guest Commentary, given recent news reports world-wide about China’s growing influence in the Caribbean and Africa.)
NASSAU, Bahamas, March 21, 2023 — My colleagues and I made a long-awaited visit to the Educulture Junkanoo Museum today to experience Junkanoo culture, which is one of the defining art forms of these beautiful islands. Director Arlene Nash Ferguson warmly welcomed us and introduced us to the interesting history of Junkanoo, and how that became a search for spiritual liberation under crushing slavery in the early years.
It’s wonderful to see how many colorful costumes are displayed in Arlene’s not very big apartment. Many of us tried the head pieces and really loved them. The most amazing part was when we actually tried our hands at Junkanoo music. Under the direction of Arlene’s capable husband Silbert and together with Arlene, my colleagues and I were actually able to make rhythmic music out of cowbells, goat skin drums, conch horn and the whistle. I tried my hands at the drum and enjoyed it. We were very proud and satisfied with our newly developed skill.
I cannot help but feel the commonality between Junkanoo costumes and our own Peking Opera and some of our minority ethnic costumes. It can be a wonderful way of cultural exchange between our countries that is worth exploring.
CAPTION: Chinese Ambassador to The Bahamas H.E. Dai Qingli and Arlene Nash
Ferguson.
